Missions - New Orleans '07

In September of 2007, 15 people from Disciples Christian Church - which was called Euclid Avenue Christian Church at the time - embarked on their first mission trip since Pastor Kris' arrival. They headed to New Orleans to be a part of the ongoing relief work that followed (and still follows) after Hurricane Katrina. To sum up the experience, below is an article written by Pastor Kris for the congregation after the "EACC 15" returned from New Orleans.  Be certain to check out their blog, too. 

"This first mission trip has ended, and the EACC 15 are back at work and home doing what we do in our regular lives.  Re-entry is often tough after such a trip - we either have so much to say that no one can possibly listen to it all, or the experience was so intense that our words just won't come . . . yet. Sometimes there's an unreasonable expectation that everyone who listens will be as passionate as we are. And yet, we understand that in many ways you did have to be there to see the scope of the disaster, the depth of the need, and the number of volunteers like us who will be needed for the next eight years and maybe longer. 
     We were doing our work through the auspices of the Northshore Disaster Recovery Inc., which is part of an even larger network, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). This highly organized and well-funded organization has received nearly 14,000 volunteers like us from 41 different denominations, 48 states, and many foreign countries and put them to work. They are concentrating in the Slidell, LA area and doing so well that they expect to move into the east New Orleans area within the year. The effort in New Orleans is not as well organized, and Northshore's presence is much needed. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Home Missions and Week of Compassion are partners in this huge effort. What a testament to how denominational differences are put aside when there is need. 
     So, this is but another piece of the larger story, just as our EACC 15 were laborers among thousands, and we plan to keep telling the story through the lenses of our personal experiences. I've heard from many of you that you appreciated the blog kept during our trip, and it will continue. We will post more pictures and others will write their stories. It is an effective way to communicate that mission is such a vital part of our ministry at EACC. It will also serve as invitation for others to join us on the next trip! Blessings, Pastor Kris